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Based on the information reviewed, PADOH has concluded that this site presents a public health
hazard. As noted in the Pathways Analyses section, human exposure to volatile organic
compounds, particularly TCE and PCE, occurred in the past. Furthermore, exposure to volatile
organic compounds may be occurring now and is likely to occur in the future. The estimated
exposures are to substances at concentrations in groundwater which, upon exposure, may cause
adverse health effects to the receptor population. Past, current, and future completed exposure
pathways to TCE, TCA, and PCE in groundwater exist for residents near the site.

Data gaps exist with respect to groundwater quality and the number of persons exposed to site-related contaminants before 1980. Several new wells, and some older wells initially
uncontaminated, have not been sampled recently enough to determine if additional exposures are
occurring. Area residents are concerned that changes in groundwater quality and quantity could
occur quickly in light of recent droughts and aquifer dewatering by wells and quarries.

Provide residents whose water supplies have been contaminated with TCE and/or PCE with appropriate treatment systems, or an uncontaminated alternative water supply.

Site Characterization Recommendations

Complete the monitoring well network with a sufficient number of nested monitoring
wells to characterize the horizontal and vertical extent of groundwater contamination in
the area. Residents continue to deepen (or relocate) their wells in response to the falling
water table. It is, therefore, imperative that groundwater users have a thorough
knowledge of groundwater quality at depth (150-250 feet). A properly designed
monitoring well system will also help determine physical and chemical changes in the
contaminant plume in response to pumping from quarries, the nearby public supply well,
and private wells in Hillbrook Circle.

Immediately sample all residential wells in Hillbrook Circle and the surrounding area as
shown in Figure 7. Well water should be sampled for volatile organic compounds, and
residential wells with filters should be sampled at the well and at an inside tap. Routine
sampling, at least once per year, should be performed unless an alternate water supply is
furnished.

Sample the PSWC Great Valley Well for volatile organic compounds on the same day
residential wells are sampled. This information can be used to establish a good data base
for a particular point in time and provide for a more complete assessment of the current
contaminant plume.

Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) Recommendations

The information and data developed in the public health assessment for the Malvern TCE site,
Malvern, Pennsylvania, have been evaluated by ATSDR's Health Activities Recommendation
Panel for appropriate follow-up with respect to health activities. The Panel determined that
community health education should be conducted after the results of the private well sampling
are available. In addition, HARP determined that those persons exposed to TCE, through
consumption of contaminated drinking water, should be considered for ATSDR's TCE
subregistry.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The public health action plan (PHAP) for the Malvern TCE site contains a description of actions
to be taken by ATSDR and/or other governmental agencies at and in the vicinity of the site
subsequent to the completion of this public health assessement. The purpose of the PHAP is to
ensure that this public health assessement not only identifies public health hazards, but provides
a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent adverse human health effects resulting from
exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. Included is a commitment on the part of
PADOH and ATSDR to follow up on this plan to ensure that it is implemented.

PADOH will conduct community health education upon completion of private well
sampling and the results become available.

As determined by HARP, residents exposed to TCE as a result of contamination from the
site were recommended for inclusion in ATSDR's TCE subregistry. ATSDR's Division
of Health Studies is unable to include the exposed population in the TCE subregistry.
The subregistry is currently closed and no special considerations for this site are noted.

The Malvern TCE (Chemclene) Site Public Health Assessment has been prepared by the
Pennsylvania Department of Health under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with approved methodology and
procedures existing at the time the public health assessment was initiated.

Gail D. Godfrey
Technical Project Officer, SPS, RPB, DHAC

The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this public health
assessment and concurs with its findings.